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ELKINS – The Randolph County Commission approved a funding request for $15,000 from the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce during its most recent meeting.
Karrah Washington, executive director of the ERCCC, gave an informational presentation to Commissioners David Kesling and Cris Siler, who were present at the meeting. Washington explained how the Chamber has changed the way it does things so that it can better provide assistance to businesses throughout Randolph County.
“In March of 2025, the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber was in a transitional period where we had adopted a new model,” Washington said. “Our Chamber is very proud and we are receiving recognition from all over the state and other states regarding our new model, which is a free membership for all. ”
Washington explained that under the Chamber’s new model, which she said is only possible due in part to the County Commission’s support, members are provided with more networking opportunities and informative sessions.
“Our County Commission is very gracious in supporting our chamber, so that gives us the opportunity to expand beyond Elkins and cover our entire county for things such as free ribbon cuttings,” Washington said. “The chamber model seemed like an older model in terms of it used to be that if you were not paying your dues to the chamber, you couldn’t receive the information we provide and you weren’t necessarily invited to networking opportunities.”
Since the change, Washington said the Chamber has done a lot more ribbon cuttings for new businesses, and that organizations have increased their paid partnership with the Chamber.
“Once we give them that free tidbit of what we can do for them and help boost their business, they do end up wanting more,” Washington said. “So they do end up paying some partnership dues to increase their visibility and open up opportunities for sponsorship… Whether we’re helping promote community festivities in Valley Head, celebrating a business expansion in Mill Creek, or connecting organizations with resources, we are working to make our services readily available countywide. With the support of the County Commission, we are able to reach our footprint as much larger than just the City of Elkins.”
Washington also talked about the Chamber’s Leadership Randolph program in its sponsorship of the annual Christmas Parade.
“Leadership Randolph is a county wide program and it’s a very important part of the Chamber’s mission,” Washington said. “It introduces participants to the businesses, organizations and even the opportunity to get out and be involved, or understand the government and how they can come to a County Commission meeting… Last year’s Christmas parade was the largest one we can recall to date, so we appreciate your generosity and sponsorship for that event.”
Kesling told Washington that the County Commission is collaborating with other elected officials in the county to take part in the Christmas parade, which is scheduled for Dec. 4.